Christmas is just around the corner and Nowra shoppers are loading up the trolleys ahead of the big day.
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The Shoalhaven Historical Society has turned back the clock to 1970 when late night shopping was in the spotlight ahead of the busy Christmas rush.
On Wednesday, November 25 1970 The News Leader reported the issue was a hot topic at a special businessman’s meeting held to discuss the possibility of Friday night shopping in Nowra for the final three Fridays before Christmas – despite bitter opposition from big business.
The issue was debated at Nowra Hotel and the Chamber of Commerce president and newsagent, Evan Davies objected to an accusation that the proposal was illegal.
The argument against the move was made by the manager of Woodhills, Jack Symonds.
“I have spoken to two members of council and open of their officers and they all assure me that is is relatively simple to have Nowra declared a tourist area so that the shops can stay open at night,” Mr Davies said.
Mr Davies called for greater unity among local businessmen.
“I don’t think we stick together enough,” he told the gathering.
“The sooner we wake up to ourselves and realise we’ve got a tourist resort here – and run it that way – the better it will be for the town.
“If we don’t do this we’ll get lost in the rush.”
The sooner we wake up to ourselves and realise we’ve got a tourist resort here – and run it that way – the better it will be for the town.
- Evan Davies
The application for late night shopping was later approved by the Askin Government.
The News Leader reported that Nowra’s streets were lined for “the biggest bonanza most of the town’s businessmen can remember.”
Both of the major car parking areas were filled early in the night and traffic jams continued until shortly after the shops closed at 9pm.
Mr Davies said Friday’s trading was the best he had experiences since setting up business in town.
“Trading last Friday was fantastic – people were coming up to me in the store and congratulating me for helping get them the service,” he said.
“But the Shoalhaven Council should be thanked for making an application to have the shire declared a tourist area.”
Christmas present ideas advertised at the time included a wide range of stationery, typewriters, copying machines, paper and paintings from Shoalhaven Stationary and Copying Company.
The best special was the Imperial 200 portable typewriter which was reduced from $60 to $45. For businessmen, the SSC Co had a range of briefcases and dictaphones.
The full set of two cassettes, recorder and floor control was $500.
